Lead Treatment Plant Operator

Summary:
Under general supervision performs technical and lead tasks in the operation and maintenance of a water or wastewater treatment plant, and other related assigned duties.

Pay Grade:
LT-18 / Beginning Salary: $16.01/Hr.

Essential Job Functions:
Directs plant operations during assigned shifts within established guidelines, and assigns tasks to operators and schedules maintenance activities;

Operates stationary mechanical and electrical equipment, including pumps, chemical feeders, valves compressors, conveyors, clarifiers, control panels, engine generators, digester heat exchangers, electrical switch gears, and computers;

Operates a variety of automotive and industrial equipment and in some positions operates tractor tankers/trailers;

Monitors and operates all plant equipment, calibrating select equipment;

Directs Operations Lab QA/QC for assigned shift within established guidelines;

Sets water, wastewater, sludge and other process pumping rates to meet demands;

Assists with work schedules and calls in relief operators to ensure proper staffing on assigned shift;

Monitors inventory and assists in preparation of purchase requests;

Leads on-site employee safety and general training programs for assigned shift, writing procedures;

Directs housekeeping and ground maintenance activities for a shift of operators, temporary employees and contract employees;

Loads and unloads hazardous chemicals;

Prepares corrective maintenance work orders and directs preventative maintenance work performed by operators during some shifts;

Reviews all plant data generated and on some shifts enters data into computer and investigates unusual results, assisting supervision with problem resolution;

Conducts plant tours;

Must report to work on a regular and timely basis.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.

Minimum Qualifications:
Graduation from a recognized college with an associates degree in water and wastewater technology, environmental health or engineering or a related field and five (5) years experience in the operation and maintenance of a treatment plant; or an equivalent combination of training and experience per Personnel Policies and Procedures, Section 128.

Comprehensive knowledge of the processes, techniques and methods involved in water or wastewater treatment; good knowledge of the chemicals used in water or wastewater treatment; and good knowledge and understanding of the functions and operating principles of mechanical equipment such as filters, pumps, motors, mixers and other equipment used in a water or wastewater treatment plant. Ability to direct and train shift workers; ability to give clear and concise verbal instructions; ability to read and evaluate written instructions; ability to write clearly and legibly; ability to diagnose problems and react promptly and efficiently in emergency situations; ability to maintain and prepare proper records and reports; and the ability to understand and influence the behavior of others within the organization, customers, or the public in order to achieve job objectives and cause action or understanding.

Physical Requirements:
Physical requirements include frequent walking and standing; frequent lifting up to 20 pounds; and occasional carrying up to 50 pounds; occasional pushing and pulling up to 60 pounds; frequent balancing, bending, handling, feeling, climbing, talking, twisting and smelling; occasional reaching, kneeling and crawling; and vision, speech and hearing sufficient to perform the essential tasks.

Licenses and Certificates:
Possession of a valid Class "B" water or wastewater license as issued by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ); and some positions within this classification require the possession of a valid Class "A" Commercial Drivers License (CDL) with an "N" endorsement; and some positions require a valid Class "B" Laboratory License as issued by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

Skills Testing Required:
A written knowledge assessment may be administered. A math assessment will be administered and must be passed at a 70% proficiency rate.

Working Environment:
Working environment is primarily outdoors, occasionally indoors and in inclement weather. May be exposed to the following: hazardous materials: high voltage electrical equipment, heights, flammable liquids, traffic, cramped work areas, excessive dust, weather/temperature extremes, rough terrains, cutting/chipping/grinding, hazardous/toxic atmosphere, sewage, damp/wet surfaces, snow/ice covered surfaces, snake and insect bites, poisonous plants, overhead power lines, toxic fumes/vapors/odors, confined spaces, compressed gases, high noises oily surfaces and refuse/garbage/litter.

Utilizes computer software packages and specialized